OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Law

This qualification is structured around six mandatory Level 5 units, each worth 20 credits, and is delivered flexibly to support both full-time and part-time learners.

• Qualification Number: 610/1971/9 (Ofqual regulated)

• Total Credit Value: 120 credits across 6 mandatory units

• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 1200 hours

• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 480 hours minimum

• Overall Grading: Pass / Fail (criterion-referenced)

• Delivery Modes: Face-to-face, online, distance learning, and blended

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Law is designed to give learners the opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of core legal principles and to help build foundational professional and research skills. Learners study six units over one academic year with a total credit value of 120 credits, representing the equivalent of the second year of an honours degree programme. The qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) and is delivered exclusively by OTHM-approved centres.

• Ofqual-regulated qualification with Qualification Number 610/1971/9

• Equivalent to Year 2 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme

• Provides underpinning knowledge for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

• All six units are mandatory and internally assessed

• Recognised by multiple UK universities for direct degree entry progression

• Flexible delivery via face-to-face, online, distance, and blended learning modes

The qualification develops a comprehensive range of legal knowledge and transferable professional skills across company law, employment law, international trade, land, tort, and legal research. Learners will be equipped to analyse legal problems, apply relevant law to scenarios, and communicate legal reasoning effectively.

• Understand the formation, governance, insolvency, and liquidation of companies under UK company law

• Apply employment law principles to workplace situations, including dismissal, discrimination, and redundancy

• Analyse international sale of goods contracts, INCOTERMS, and international dispute resolution mechanisms

• Evaluate land ownership, co-ownership, leases, mortgages, easements, and covenants under English land law

• Identify and apply the principles of negligence, nuisance, defamation, and vicarious liability in tort law

• Conduct advanced legal research using primary and secondary sources and demonstrate professional and ethical skills

This qualification is designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above and who wish to develop a deeper understanding of legal principles, advance their legal career, or progress to undergraduate degree-level study in law.

• Aspiring legal professionals seeking a structured entry pathway into the legal sector

• Learners who have completed the OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Law or an equivalent Level 4 qualification

• GCE Advanced level holders wishing to progress into higher legal education

• Mature learners (over 21) with relevant legal or professional experience

• Working professionals in business, compliance, HR, or administration seeking legal knowledge

• Individuals planning to progress to Year 3 of an LLB or other law-related undergraduate degree

OTHM has established specific entry requirements for the Level 5 Diploma in Law, and all learners must be assessed by their approved centre to confirm suitability prior to registration.

• Relevant Level 4 Diploma qualification or equivalent; or GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects or equivalent; or mature learner status (over 21) with relevant experience (subject to centre verification)

• English language competency evidence required for learners not from a majority English-speaking country

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the approved centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualification is criterion-referenced and graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Learners must fulfil all learning outcomes and meet all assessment criteria for each unit.

• Portfolio of evidence submitted for each unit (approximately 3000 words per unit)

• Coursework-based assessment (no formal written examinations)

• Internal assessment by qualified centre assessors who provide a documented audit trail

• External verification of all assessments by OTHM External Quality Assurance Verifiers (EQA)

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Law opens a wide range of academic and professional pathways. As an Ofqual-regulated qualification, it enables learners to access formal university progression routes and advanced professional qualifications.

• Direct entry into Year 3 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree (LLB or equivalent) via OTHM university progression arrangements

• Progression to the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in International Business Law

• Preparation for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) professional assessment

• Career pathways in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and compliance roles